The day began as we approached St Thomas. Perfect weather made for a beautiful view as we approached and finally docked at the auxiliary dock - next to the Holland America Eurodam. Last time we had been to St Thomas - aboard the Solstice - we were at the main dock in Havensight - but it was either full (three ships there - including Solstice), OR that Allure is too big. We had been to this port before - on the Caribbean Princess in 2007 with RSVP.

Watching our arrival from the reflected eyes of the Eurodam guests was alot of fun - we dwarfed the ship and they were clearly in awe. Or perhaps they were reacting to something else entirely.

Just as we were being tied off Captain Johnny came onto the PA again. He reminded us that we are now in port and that USVI law prohibited nudity - so could those passengers on their balconies please ensure that they are clothed

We made our first exit from the ship since Lauderdale - and walked around the sizable pier. Then over to the taxi stand for a trip into town - $4 per person each way.

We had received an advertisement asking us to "Show Your Pride" with the rainbow colors of Ammolite jewelry - found a specific store in town. No address was given - so we walked around for a while. Bought a t-shirt and then eventually found the store and the Ammolite section. Most was gaudy - over sized and set in uuber-blinged settings. But a small square pendant set in sterling seemed to be understated and probably an inexpensive buy. It was about 5mm square - the price was over $600. Said thank you and ran out of the store. Pride indeed,

Instead found a small section of men's titanium jewelry at another store and bought a ring.

That night was the Atlantis Anniversary Party - with free premixed drinks for all aboard from 5-6. We went to the Aqua Theater, and grabbed 2 cranberry and vodkas to watch 'The Dating Game'. Drinks were terrible - but the game was all together new.

Since the Don't Ask, Don't Tell ban had been lifted - something was now possible that had never been possible before. Malcolm announced he needed contestants and wanted to open it up to military personnel - and got 2 contestants from the audience. Though commonplace elsewhere - we had NEVER asked for the audience to self-identify like this before, NEVER would have had volunteers and thus NEVER have been able to applaud them before

Standard Q&A after that - and the hot guy won (with a little help from the audience). But the reveal seemed to betray a previous relationship. They both kissed and then were seen the entire rest of the week together. Either it was a resounding success and love at first sight - or the fix was in.

Dinner at the buffet included a rare sighting. I noticed Russ sitting in the corner alone eating his dinner and watching the crowd. Normally I wouldn't have noticed him, nor have in anyway suspected that only 1 hour from then mind-mannered Russ would re-emerge to give the night's performance as Miss Richfield 1981. I gave him a knowing smile - and he returned the same, I thought it was a special moment - "I know who you are, but my lips are sealed". Then I second guessed things and wondered is I had just cruised Miss R. Oh well - either way I'm a winner.

The night's performance was Andy Bell (who was the surprise guest start on the previous years January cruise - that I was so bummed to have missed). He did a great set - opening with 'Chains of Love' and finishing the second encore with 'A Little Respect'. The audience was on their feet for the last number - and it was great to hear him (especially since he did two of my favorite but lesser-known songs, 'Always' and 'Blue Savannah').

Ended the night with the only night time party in the Aqua Theater - "That 80's Party" which ran until 1am. Standard fair (no remixes) and the original MTV videos on the jumbo-trons.